The sun dipped behind a wave of surfers, and we knew we’d fallen in love with Hiriketiya Beach. Fondly known as ‘Hiri,’ it now holds memories of lazy, sun-kissed days, crispy rotis that left chocolate smudges around our mouths, and dusty, winding lanes echoing with honking tuktuks.
Over the past few years, Hiriketiya has grown in popularity, with more accommodation options popping up including a handful of larger Hiriketiya hotels. That said, the area is still dominated by local homestays which is normally our pick of the bunch.
We love to stay in homestays for many reasons, one being the amazing cooking we experienced. Plentiful breakfasts are often prepared including delicious roti, hoppers and fruit.
There is also a growing digital nomad community in Hiriketiya who gather in co-living hotels, the best of which we share below.
So, if you’re searching for the best Hiriketiya hotels, we’ve got you covered as we share our top picks of where to stay, in one of our favourite Sri Lankan towns, Hiriketiya.
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Short On Time? The Best Hotels In Hiriketiya
- Best For Families: La Playa Beach Club
- Best For Solo Travellers: Kima Surf House
- Best For Couples: Salt House
- Best For Backpackers: Pranaya Dorm
- Best Luxury Stay: Sam & Lola’s
Why Stay In Hiriketiya?
Maybe you skipped the intro (no judgement!), but if you didn’t, you’ll already know that Hiriketiya holds some special memories for us. Despite its growing popularity and occasional crowds, Hiri still has a stronger community feel compared to the larger surf towns of Weligama and Mirissa. Spending time enjoying the slow, laid-back pace of life here is what we think every traveller and backpacker needs during their trip.
Yes, Hiriketiya is known for its surf, but be warned, the line up is like Piccadilly Circus so expect a few bumps and bruises. Luckily, surfing isn’t the only draw, there is a beautiful crescent beach where you can swim, yoga sessions, a wellness community and countless little boutiques to mooch around.
Read our full Hiriketiya Beach Guide here!
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Where To Stay In Hiriketiya? Best Area To Stay In Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya is small, and most accommodation is within walking distance to the beach, however we can still split it into distinct areas.
The most luxury resorts in Hiriketiya are found on the beachfront, they have direct beach access and are perfect for hitting up an early morning surf before the crowds.
As you move away from the beach you hit the jungle edge, this is where most local homestays are found and a few co-living spaces. These are quiet, hidden in the winding backstreets and where we chose to stay. We were often visited by monkeys in the morning which made our stay extra special.
Finally, you can stay a little further out near Dikwella, here there is a more local vibe and some budget-friendly accommodation choices, although you will be further from Hiri Beach.
Best Hotels In Hiriketiya
Budget Places To Stay In Hiriketiya
Pranaya Hiriketiya (Dorm)
If you’re looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly dorm room with a friendly atmosphere, Pranaya is a great choice. It’s perfect for solo travellers or those seeking to meet fellow adventurers.
Book Here
Book Here
Homebase Hiriketiya – Where We Stayed
This is where we stayed, the perfect budget choice for couples. We had access to a kitchen, shared bathroom, and shared living space. With a short walk to the beach and parking for our tuk tuk this was the perfect choice for our needs.
We actually booked our accommodation on the day of arriving and didn’t have much choice, this is your sign to book early, but it worked out and we enjoyed our time at Homebase Hiriketiya.
Book Here
Book Here
Best Boutique Hotels In Hiriketiya
Salt House
Salt House is a boutique guesthouse nestled in the heart of Hiriketiya Bay, surrounded by lush jungle and just a short stroll from the beach. Guests can enjoy daily yoga sessions suitable for different levels. There is also an onsite restaurant selling healthy dishes with local ingredients.
Book Here
Book Here
Homebase Hiriketiya Coliving Space
Homebase Hiriketiya is a newer co-living space that seems to focus on the community of its guests and therefore we can’t see a day pass option.
However, if you do stay at Homebase Hiriketiya then you’ll join a close knit community of digital nomads and have access to the coworking space designed for productivity. Homebase often puts on curry nights, skillshare sessions and workshops to enrich your time there and fundamentally help you make connections during your stay.
Dots Bay House
Dots Bay is known for being social with regular live music events and a restaurant and bar. Guests can participate in yoga classes held in their rooftop shala, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Book Here
Book Here
Best Surf Hostels In Hiriketiya
Kima Surf House
A popular school that is nestled in the jungles near Hiriketiya bay. As a luxury stay the camp is a blend of Western comfort and island charm. You can choose between private rooms or a shared cabanas. They offer surf lessons for all abilities plus yoga sessions, fitness programs and locally sourced meals.
The Salty Pelican
A popular Surf & Yoga retreat in between Hiriketiya Beach and Dikwella. Guests can participate in daily yoga sessions, surf lessons, and social activities, creating a community atmosphere ideal for solo travellers.
Book Here
Book Here
Luxury Hiriketiya Hotels
La Playa Beach Club: Hiriketiya Beach Resort
If you’re after a luxurious beachfront experience, La Playa Beach Club offers high-end rooms, a private pool, and easy access to the surf, making it the ultimate indulgence in Hiriketiya. This is one of the best Hiriketiya Beach Hotels!
Book Here
Sam & Lola’s
The most luxurious place to stay in Hiriketiya is Sam & Lola’s. Two private villas, each uniquely designed with private pool and outdoor bathrooms surrounded by lush tropical plants. This is the ideal honeymoon location or secluded luxury for some peace and quiet.
Alternative Places To Stay Nearby In Dikwella
Verse Collective
The most popular co-living space in Hiriketiya is Verse Collective. Here the community atmosphere is unmatched due to the onsite events such as yoga, surf, skate ramp and socials. This trendy options offers sea views, a café and perfect coworking space for productivity
Day passes to visit Verse Collective are around $6 a day, so if you’re looking for a place to balance work and fun head here!
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
FAQs About Staying In Hiriketiya
Best Hiriketiya Tours
How To Get To Hiriketiya
Hiriketiya by Train
The closest train station to Hiriketiya is Dikwella, but many travellers choose to arrive via Matara or Weligama, where trains are more frequent. From Colombo, take the coastal railway line heading south toward Matara. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours. From Matara, Hiriketiya is about 40 minutes away by tuk tuk or local bus.
Trains are incredibly affordable (£1-£3) and if you want the local experience, book second or third class to enjoy open doors and ocean views. When we caught the train, admittedly it was rush hour, we were packed in like sardines with locals tapping and singing away, an experience we’ll never forget!
Hiriketiya by Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Sri Lanka. From Colombo, take a Matara-bound bus, then at Matara Bus Station transfer to Dikwella bound local bus; they often go towards Tangalle or Hambantota. From Dikwella take a short tuk tuk ride or walk.
From Ella, you can catch a bus to Wellawaya, then transfer to Tangalle or Matara, and finally to Dikwella or book this private transfer.
Hiriketiya by Tuk Tuk
Tuk tuk rentals are popular and you’ll see loads of other tourists in their hired three-wheeled rides around Hiriketiya Beach. We hired ours from Tuk tuk Rental and had the best roadtrip of our lives, an experience we’d recommend to anyone!
